#Japan #Florence #Chiyoda #AndNature #Policy Making

Introducing the Policy-Making Workshops by Florence and AndNature

In an exciting partnership, the certified NPO Florence from Chiyoda, Tokyo, and AndNature, an educational venture also from Tokyo, have announced the launch of a unique workshop tailored for middle and high school students. This initiative aims to create a platform where teenagers can become actively involved in addressing pressing social challenges that affect children and families. By participating in these workshops, students will not only learn about policy-making but also develop skills that empower them to enact social change.

Understanding the Context

Recent surveys conducted by the Children's Agency revealed a concerning trend about young people's perception of society in Japan. According to their 2023 report, only 34.6% of youths aged 13 to 29 expressed satisfaction with society, significantly lower than the global average of 49.3%. Conversely, over half (50.8%) voiced dissatisfaction, highlighting a critical gap between the youth's awareness of social issues and their participation in solutions, with only 43.3% demonstrating a desire to engage in resolving societal problems.

This data illustrates a unique dilemma faced by Japanese youth. Despite their frustration with societal issues, many feel disconnected from the means of addressing these problems effectively. This disconnect is reflected in the notably low voter turnout rates among younger demographics, which indicates a lack of engagement in civic responsibilities and a hindrance to potential societal progress.

Florence has been a pioneer in advocating for effective policy proposals and reforms, having previously launched initiatives designed for adult “policy entrepreneurs.” Now, the organization seeks to inspire the next generation by introducing them to the tools and methodologies employed in policy-making, thus creating a workshop that will encourage them to believe in their potential to invoke change.

Workshop Overview

The workshop consists of two participation plans: a direct visiting plan to Florence's office and a hybrid online and in-person approach. This structure is designed to cater to diverse learning preferences among students. The workshop is structured around three primary components:

1. Introduction to Florence and Policy-Making: Participants will receive insights into the legislative processes and effective policy-making strategies, drawing from Florence's extensive experience.

2. Group Work on Policy Proposals: Students will be divided into groups to tackle specific social issues related to children and families. They will perform a situational analysis, brainstorm solutions, and draft proposals advocating for change as if presenting to lawmakers.

3. Presentation of Proposals: Participants will simulate presenting their proposals to legislators and receive feedback from Florence staff, enhancing their communication skills and developing their ability to respond to questions effectively.

Target Audience

The workshop is designed for students currently in the 9th to 12th grades, promoting a hands-on approach to understanding civic engagement.

Duration

Each session will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. Adjustments can be made based on class schedules to maximize participation.

Goals

The main objectives of this workshop include:

• - Increasing awareness of social issues and fostering a personal connection to these topics.
• - Empowering students to recognize their capacity for change through hands-on policy-making experiences.
• - Developing key skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, critical for future contributions to society.

Venue

The workshops will be held at the Florence office located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, providing an accessible environment for all participants.

Partnership with AndNature

AndNature is known for its expertise in developing active learning programs and managing study abroad initiatives, boasting an extensive network of educational institutions across Japan. They have previously collaborated with Florence to welcome students from rural areas for study trips. On the other hand, Florence has focused on practical support and policy advocacy for addressing social challenges.

Together, this partnership combines AndNature’s access to educational settings with Florence’s in-depth knowledge of social issues and policy-making, making these workshops an enriching experience for participants and enabling broader outreach to high school and middle school students.

A Message from AndNature

Mr. Fujii, responsible for the Tokyo Student Escort program at AndNature, notes that since 2018, they have hosted over 20,000 students from 180 schools nationwide. The program aims to connect students with real-world professionals, helping them discover their potential and future paths.

By teaming up with Florence to offer this “Policy-Making Workshop,” AndNature hopes to extend students’ career education beyond typical frameworks, providing genuine experiences that can foster new perspectives in their career choices.

Call for Schools to Participate

Florence aims to inspire students to bring hope to society through these workshops. Educators and school administrators interested in facilitating this transformative opportunity are encouraged to reach out for more information.

Contact Information:
For inquiries about the student policy-making workshop, please email: rr@florence.or.jp. Include “Inquiry About Student Policy-Making Workshop” in the subject line.

Florence looks forward to collaborating with educators to enhance youth engagement in addressing social challenges we face today.